Stray dogs bite two foreign coaches at World Para Athletics Championships 2025; dog catchers called to JLN stadium

This was the fifth such dog-related incident reported at the ongoing championships.

A major safety lapse at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi came to light on Friday morning (October 3) when stray dogs entered the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium practice track and bit two foreign coaches.

Japanese coach Meiko Okumatsu and Kenyan coach Dennis Maragia were supervising training sessions when they were attacked.

Both were immediately provided first aid before being taken to Safdarjung Hospital, where they received treatment as per medical protocol. Officials confirmed they are stable and recovering.

The incident occurred during the morning session when Maragia was helping Kenyan sprinter Stacey Obonyo prepare for a training sprint.

“Dennis was training our 200m sprinter Stacey Obonyo in the morning session, and that is when a stray dog bit him in the right calf while fixing the starting blocks for Stacey,” Michael Okaro, a member of the Kenyan contingent, told First Post.

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Japanese coach Okumatsu, meanwhile, was treated at the on-site medical centre before being shifted to hospital.

He expressed relief at the swift medical response and was quoted as saying to First Post, “I was bitten by a dog in the morning, but thankfully, the medical team disinfected me quickly.”

This marks the fifth such dog-related incident reported at the ongoing championships, raising serious questions about security and preparedness at India’s biggest para-sporting event.

Dog-catching teams from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) were rushed to the venue soon after Friday’s episode to capture the stray animals and sanitise the training area.

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Dr. Ish Middha of the Medical Committee confirmed immediate intervention.

“Two coaches were bitten in the morning session. After I cleaned and dressed their wounds, I took them to Safdarjang Hospital, where we followed the medical protocol for dog bites,” he told reporters.

In a press statement, the Organising Committee acknowledged the problem while emphasising measures already taken. “On August 21, 2025, a formal request was made to the MCD to safeguard the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium by removing stray dogs from the venue.

“Acting swiftly, the MCD cleared the premises well before the start of the Championships, and dog-catching vehicles have been stationed at the stadium from Day 1 to ensure constant vigilance and immediate response.”

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However, officials admitted that the issue persisted because of residents feeding stray dogs near the complex. “Despite these precautionary measures, the challenge of individuals repeatedly feeding stray dogs near the venue has allowed animals to re-enter the premises.

“Unfortunately, this led to two isolated incidents at the warm-up track on October 3, 2025, with coaches of Japan & Kenya getting bit.”

Reiterating their stance, the organisers added, “The safety, health, and well-being of participants is non-negotiable. The stadium and surrounding areas have been fully sanitised in coordination with civic agencies, and strengthened preventive measures are now in place to ensure uninterrupted, secure conduct of the Championships.”

The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 is being held in India for the first time, featuring hundreds of athletes from across the globe. But recurring stray dog incidents threaten to overshadow the competition, putting organisers under pressure to ensure athlete and official safety for the remainder of the event.

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